Super Falcons Bow Out of Paris Olympics After 3-1 Loss to Japan

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been eliminated from the Paris Olympic football tournament after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Japan yesterday 31st July 2024.

In their final Group C match, the Falcons needed a victory to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. This was their first Olympic appearance in 16 years, and their performance did not meet expectations.

The Falcons entered the game with prior losses to Brazil and Spain, both 1-0. They faced the Asian champions with high hopes but were soon trailing. Japan’s Mika Hamano scored the opening goal after 22 minutes. Ten minutes later, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s lead.

Nigeria’s hopes were briefly revived when Jennifer Echegini scored three minutes before halftime. However, in stoppage time, Hamano struck again with a brilliant free-kick, restoring Japan’s two-goal advantage.

The Super Falcons failed to stage a comeback in the second half, ultimately exiting the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France without earning any points and scoring just one goal in their three matches.